Veteran Receives Surprise of a Lifetime. You’ll Never Believe Who Was Responsible…

After honorably serving 12 years in the Army, Erich Orrick, a Bronze Star and Purple Heart recipient, started Wish for Our Heroes, a non-profit organization with the intent of helping other recently discharged veterans.

Orrick’s organization, since 2009, has given more than $10 million in donations. The funds have helped fellow veterans with their relocation needs, the purchasing of new appliances, and has even assisted with childcare needs.

This 44-year-old father of two girls had no idea his local community was even aware of Wish for Our Heroes until he was surprisingly contacted by the Indiana Colt’s Pat McAfee.

In an interview with the IndyStar, McAfee said Orrick was the most selfless person he had ever met.

Enlisting the help of his teammate Colby Fleener, the two Colt’s, having determined that returning Orrick’s generosity was far overdue, concocted a scheme to show their appreciation. Little did Orrick know, he was about to receive the surprise of a lifetime.

“We had to think of an elaborate plan to get Erich out of his house and then to stay out of his house for a few days,” McAfee said.

McAfee and Fleener sent Orrick and his two daughters to Chicago to assist with a charity event. While the three were out of town, they put their plan into action.

McAfee and Fleener invaded Orrick’s home, located just outside of Indianapolis.

In the few days they had, the two of them replaced all of the furniture and appliances in the home. They constructed a new area for the girls to do their homework, and even set up a man cave for Orrick, complete with a brand new TV.

Upon returning home from Chicago, Orrick stated that he was completely spellbound. But what he said next is what really sums up the heart of this selfless man. “My life has been focused on helping other people. … It was a very humbling experience, being the person that was being helped. But I don’t want people to miss the story here, that there’s a lot of troops out there that really need help.”

A Diverse Collection of Short Stories by Gary Hays: The Authors Hand

For about as long as I can remember my daddy wasn’t right in the head. I’m told at one time he was but I was so young and it’s been so long, I have little recollection. I used to have a brother named Kyle who was fifteen years older than me. He died. All that’s left is a glossy photo of him in his Army uniform hanging over the fireplace. We don’t speak much of Kyle.

“What do you mean you’re quittin’ school,” shouted 4’ 11” Dottie to her 5’ 11” teenage son. Fully expecting resistance, and never measuring up to his Mom’s debating skills, Alexander buckled as his well-laid plans crashed and burned. “Mom, there’s a war goin’ on in case you didn’t notice. Guys are dropping out and signing up left and right”. “And what if I won’t sign for ‘ya smarty pants”? Swallowing hard, Alexander ever so softly blurted: “I’ll lie about my age, they don’t care”. And lie, he did.